Hundreds raise safety concerns in borough survey

Fewer than half of residents who have responded to a community safety survey consider Dudley a safe place to live.

People remain concerned about antisocial behaviour, dangerous driving and domestic burglary, the data suggested, despite the borough having the lowest crime rate in the West Midlands.

Of the record 843 respondents so far to the annual Safe and Sound survey, 48% said they felt Dudley was a safe place to live, while only 39% felt safe when out and about.

The findings will be presented to the council's communities and growth scrutiny Committee on 18 March.

Data shows Dudley had the lowest crime rate per 1,000 people across the West Midlands Police area over the past 12 months.

A new antisocial behaviour (ASB) policy, due before the council's cabinet on 25 March, will include the rollout of community champions, out-of-hours teams with seven-day cover, mobile units and drones.

A report by Kathryn Jones, director of housing and assets, said: "The council is keen to [ensure] a zero tolerance approach is taken in cases where ASB is proven.

"Whilst the need to evidence the ASB will still take time in some cases, residents can expect to see firm and proportionate action in such cases."

The survey also found 68% of respondents felt people from different backgrounds got on well or very well in their area, which was down 11 percentage points on the previous year.

The council said it saved £476,000 on ASB services in the 2024/25 financial year. It is forecasting savings of £365,000 this financial year and funding for new policy measures will come from existing budgets.

The survey remains open until 31 March on the council's website.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.